Jieyang, Guangdong, China, located in the Northern Sub Tropics at coordinates 23.5492°N, 116.3617°E, offers reasonably good conditions for year-round solar photovoltaic energy generation, though with notable seasonal variations in output.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar energy production at this location shows a clear seasonal pattern. Summer delivers the highest output at 5.47 kWh per day per kW of installed solar capacity, making it the peak season for solar generation. Spring follows as the second-best performing season with 5.09 kWh per day per kW, while autumn produces 4.94 kWh per day per kW. Winter represents the least productive period, generating 4.40 kWh per day per kW of installed capacity. Despite this seasonal low, the winter output still maintains about 80% of the summer peak, indicating that solar remains viable throughout the year at this location. For optimal year-round performance, solar panels should be installed at a fixed tilt angle of 22 degrees facing south. This angle maximizes total annual energy production by accounting for the sun's varying elevation throughout the seasons.

Environmental and Weather Challenges

Several local factors in Jieyang can significantly impact solar energy production and require careful consideration during installation:

• Monsoon Season: Heavy rainfall and prolonged cloud cover during summer monsoons can substantially reduce solar output despite this being the theoretically peak season
• High Humidity: The subtropical climate creates persistent moisture that can cause panel degradation and reduce efficiency over time
• Typhoons: This coastal region faces seasonal typhoon risks that can damage solar installations
• Air Pollution: Industrial activity in the region can create dust and particulate buildup on panels, reducing light transmission

Preventative Installation Measures

To maximize energy production despite these challenges, several installation strategies should be implemented. Robust mounting systems designed to withstand typhoon-force winds are essential, with proper drainage systems to handle monsoon rainfall and prevent water accumulation around equipment. Regular cleaning schedules become crucial due to dust and pollution buildup, while anti-reflective coatings can help maintain panel efficiency in high-humidity conditions. Installing panels with adequate ventilation spacing helps prevent moisture-related degradation and maintains optimal operating temperatures. Choosing high-quality panels with strong weather resistance ratings and corrosion-resistant mounting hardware will ensure longer system lifespan in this challenging subtropical environment. Despite these considerations, Jieyang's consistent year-round solar potential makes it a viable location for solar PV installations when properly designed and maintained.

Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° latitude.

So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 319 locations across China. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in China by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Jieyang

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 23.5492, Longitude: 116.3617 (Jieyang, China), based on our analysis of 8760 hourly intervals of solar and meteorological data (one whole year) retrieved for that set of coordinates/location from NASA POWER (The Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources) API:

 

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 22° South in Jieyang, China

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Jieyang, China (Lat/Long 23.5492, 116.3617) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 22° South for fixed panel installations.

As the Earth revolves around the Sun each year, the maximum angle of elevation of the Sun varies by +/- 23.45 degrees from its equinox elevation angle for a particular latitude. Finding the exact optimal angle to maximise solar PV production throughout the year can be challenging, but with careful consideration of historical solar energy and meteorological data for a certain location, it can be done precisely.

We use our own calculation, which incorporates NASA solar and meteorological data for the exact Lat/Long coordinates, to determine the ideal tilt angle of a solar panel that will yield maximum annual solar output. We calculate the optimal angle for each day of the year, taking into account its contribution to the yearly total PV potential at that specific location.

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Jieyang, China

If you can adjust the tilt angle of your solar PV panels, please refer to the seasonal tilt angles below for optimal solar energy production in Jieyang, China. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 22° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Overall Best Summer Angle	Overall Best Autumn Angle	Overall Best Winter Angle	Overall Best Spring Angle
8° South in Summer	29° South in Autumn	39° South in Winter	16° South in Spring

Our recommendations take into account more than just latitude and Earth's position in its elliptical orbit around the Sun. We also incorporate historical solar and meteorological data from NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) API to assign a weight to each ideal angle for each day based on its historical contribution to overall solar PV potential during a specific season.

This approach allows us to provide much more accurate recommendations than relying solely on latitude, as it considers unique weather conditions in different locations sharing the same latitude worldwide.

Calculate solar panel row spacing in Jieyang, China

We've added a feature to calculate minimum solar panel row spacing by location. Enter your panel size and orientation below to get the minimum spacing in Jieyang, China.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. Minimum Spacing:
   We add the shadow length to the horizontal space occupied by tilted panels.

This approach ensures maximum space efficiency while avoiding shading during critical times, as the Winter solstice represents the worst-case scenario for shadow length.

Topography for solar PV around Jieyang, China

Topographical Features of Jieyang Region

Jieyang sits in the eastern coastal region of Guangdong Province, positioned within the Pearl River Delta's outer reaches. The city occupies a predominantly flat to gently rolling landscape that transitions from inland plains toward the South China Sea coastline. The terrain consists primarily of alluvial plains formed by centuries of river sediment deposits, creating relatively level ground with minimal elevation changes across most of the urban and surrounding agricultural areas.

The region's topography is characterized by low-lying coastal plains that gradually rise inland toward modest hills and ridges. These elevated areas typically reach heights of 100 to 300 meters above sea level, forming a gentle backdrop to the flatter coastal zones. The landscape is intersected by numerous waterways, including the Rongjiang River system, which creates a network of channels and tributaries flowing toward the coast.

Agricultural terracing is common throughout the area, particularly in rice cultivation zones where the naturally flat terrain has been further modified to create optimal growing conditions. The coastal sections feature a mix of tidal flats, aquaculture ponds, and reclaimed land areas that extend the usable territory toward the sea.

Optimal Areas for Large-Scale Solar Development

The flat agricultural plains surrounding Jieyang present excellent opportunities for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations. These expansive level areas offer minimal grading requirements and provide unobstructed exposure to sunlight throughout the day. The agricultural zones, particularly those used for seasonal crops rather than permanent orchards, could accommodate solar farms with relatively straightforward land conversion processes.

The gently sloping hillsides on the inland periphery of the region also offer strong potential for solar development. These elevated areas provide natural drainage and can be oriented to maximize solar exposure while avoiding the wettest low-lying zones. The moderate slopes require minimal earthwork while offering excellent sight lines free from shadows cast by adjacent terrain features.

Coastal areas present mixed opportunities, with some reclaimed land sections offering flat, stable foundations for solar installations. However, proximity to the sea requires careful consideration of salt exposure and potential storm impacts. The inland plains, positioned between the immediate coastal zone and the higher elevations, often represent the optimal compromise between accessibility, terrain suitability, and environmental considerations.

Areas with existing infrastructure access, including proximity to electrical transmission lines and transportation networks, enhance the viability of solar installations. The region's relatively dense network of roads and power infrastructure, developed to support agricultural and industrial activities, provides good connectivity options for large-scale renewable energy projects across much of the suitable terrain.

China solar PV Stats as a country

China ranks 1st in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 306,973 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 6.20% of China's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 13th in the world). Each year China is generating 217 Watts from solar PV per capita (China ranks 24th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]

Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in China?

Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in China. These include subsidies from the Chinese government, preferential tax policies, and access to low-interest loans. Additionally, businesses may be eligible for renewable energy certificates (RECs) which can be sold on the open market for additional income.

Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in China? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!

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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential

The solar PV analyses available on our website, including this one, are offered as a free service to the global community. Our aim is to provide education and aid informed decision-making regarding solar PV installations.

However, please note that these analyses are general guidance and may not meet specific project requirements. For in-depth, tailored forecasts and analysis crucial for feasibility studies or when pursuing maximum ROI from your solar projects, feel free to contact us; we offer comprehensive consulting services expressly for this purpose.

Helping you assess viability of solar PV for your site

Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide

Enhance your solar panel's performance with our in-depth guide. Determine the best tilt angle using hard data, debunk common misunderstandings, and gain insight into how your specific location affects solar energy production.